• Published on (1962 – 1965)
• Author: Perkins
• Track 13 on “Past Masters Volume 1“

RINGO 1964: “I’m featured on it. Actually it was written by Carl Perkins about six years ago. Carl came to the session. I felt very embarrassed. I did it just two days before I went in the hospital (with tonsilitis) so please forgive my throat.”

About “Matchbox”

As fans of Perkins, the Beatles performed “Matchbox” during their 1961 and 1962 concerts. The song was sung by Pete Best until his sacking in August 1962, when John Lennon took over as lead singer. There is a live version of this song included on the 1977 album Live at the Star-Club in Hamburg, Germany; 1962. The Beatles performed “Matchbox” on their BBC radio show Pop Go the Beatles in July 1963, with Ringo Starr replacing Best as the lead singer. This version was included on the 1994 compilation Live at the BBC.

In 1964, Starr also sang lead vocals on the band’s Long Tall Sally EP. The session on June 1 was observed by Perkins while he was visiting London. Having a bad throat led to Starr feeling very embarrassed. Two days later, he was hospitalized with acute tonsillitis and pharyngitis, so he missed the start of the Beatles’ world tour. Producer George Martin played piano on the recording along with the band. According to Ian MacDonald’s commentary on the track, the Beatles’ performance is “flat-footed” and only George Harrison shows “any motivation” in his contribution as a student of Perkins’ playing.

“Matchbox” was released on June 19 in the UK. In the US, it appeared on Capitol Records’ Something New album in July before being released as a single backed by “Slow Down” on August 24. On three record charts, “Matchbox” reached number 17: in the U.S., the Billboard Hot 100 and Cash Box, and in Canada, the RPM Top 40. Subsequently, the song was included on the Beatles compilation albums Rock ‘n’ Roll Music, Past Masters Volume 1, and Mono Masters.

Meaning of “Matchbox”

The lyrics of “Matchbox” are straightforward and tell a story of a man who is confident in his abilities to get by in life with very little. He boasts about being a “matchbox” and can light his fire with ease, symbolizing his self-reliance and resourcefulness. The song exudes a carefree and confident attitude, emphasizing the narrator’s ability to handle any situation.

In the context of The Beatles’ catalog, “Matchbox” was one of the many covers they recorded, demonstrating their deep appreciation for early rock and roll music. Their rendition carries their signature energy and style, infusing the song with their own unique flair while paying homage to the original. It’s a testament to their ability to breathe new life into classic tunes.

Personnel

• Ringo Starr – drums and lead vocals
• John Lennon – rhythm guitar
• Paul McCartney – bass guitar
• George Harrison – lead guitar
• George Martin – piano

• Published on 1964
• Author: Perkins
• Track 10 on “Beatles For Sale“

About “Honey Don’t”

“Honey Don’t” is a song written by Carl Perkins, originally released on January 1, 1956 as the B-side of the “Blue Suede Shoes” single. Both songs became rockabilly classics. Bill Dahl of Allmusic praised the song saying, “‘Honey Don’t’ actually outclasses its more celebrated platter-mate in some ways.”

The Beatles recorded this song on October 26, 1964 one of the last songs recorded for Beatles for Sale which was released in the UK on December 4, 1964. The U.S. release was on December 15 on Beatles ’65.

Although John Lennon had previously sung the song live, Ringo Starr sang it for the album, his requisite one lead vocal per album. During the song, he makes self-referential remarks leading into Harrison’s guitar riffs, such as, “Rock on George, one time for me!”

A version sung by Lennon is available on Live at the BBC. George Harrison was a fan of Perkins, and Starr sang “Honey Don’t” during the Concert For George which was held at the Royal Albert Hall, London on November 29, 2002, the first anniversary of Harrison’s death.

Along with “Matchbox“, “Honey Don’t” is one of the rare songs that all four Beatles have separately recorded or performed on stage.

Meaning of “Honey Don’t”

The lyrics of “Honey Don’t” speak to a troubled romantic relationship. The narrator addresses his partner, asking her not to mistreat him or cause him pain. He expresses a desire for stability and a harmonious relationship.

The phrase “Honey Don’t” serves as a refrain throughout the song, emphasizing the plea for the partner not to engage in hurtful behaviors. The song reflects a common theme in rock ‘n’ roll and country music of that era, which often dealt with the trials and tribulations of love and relationships.

In essence, “Honey Don’t” is a plea for understanding and consideration in a romantic partnership, set to a catchy rock ‘n’ roll beat.

Personnel

• Ringo Starr – lead vocal, drums, percussion
• John Lennon – acoustic rhythm guitar
• Paul McCartney – bass guitar
• George Harrison – lead guitar

• Published on 1964
• Author: Perkins
• Track 14 on “Beatles For Sale“

About “Everybody’s Trying to be My Baby”

“Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby” is a rockabilly song often credited to Carl Perkins -who later covered it in 1956- based on a 1936 song written by singer/songwriter Rex Griffin.
It was later covered by Johnny Cash.

The Beatles recorded “Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby” on October 18, 1964, at EMI Studios, London, with George Harrison (a lifelong fan of Perkins) on vocals. Harrison’s vocals were heavily processed with the steed effect. It was first released as the final track on Beatles for Sale in the United Kingdom later that year, and likewise as the concluding track on the North American album Beatles ’65.

The Beatles’ recording finishes with a false ending, with the final phrase repeating itself after the song seems to have stopped. A version recorded live at the Star-Club in Hamburg in December 1962 contained four of these musical phrases.

Live performances of the Beatles’ “Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby” were recorded in June 1963 for the BBC radio program Pop Go The Beatles, and in November 1964 for Saturday Club. The latter recording can be heard on Live at the BBC.

The Beatles continued to perform the song after their studio recording was released. It was included in the on stage set list in their 1965 European tour of France, Italy and Spain and their ten city August tour of the United States. The performance from the Paris concert was videotaped and broadcast on French television later that year. Audio from the performance recorded at New York’s Shea Stadium on August 15, 1965, edited from the 1966 documentary film, was later included in Anthology 2.

Meaning of “Everybody’s Trying to be My Baby”

The lyrics of “Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby” convey a sense of self-assuredness and confidence. The narrator sings about being the object of attention and desire for many people. They’re aware of their own popularity and attractiveness, and they enjoy the attention it brings.

The song is characterized by its catchy melody and lively rhythm, which are hallmarks of rockabilly and early rock ‘n’ roll music.

In The Beatles’ rendition of the song, the band’s energy and enthusiasm shine through, showcasing their admiration for rock ‘n’ roll classics.

Overall, “Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby” is a celebratory and upbeat rock ‘n’ roll song that captures the excitement and allure of being a sought-after figure in the world of music and entertainment.

Personnel

• George Harrison – double-tracked lead vocals, lead guitar
• John Lennon – acoustic rhythm guitar, tambourine
• Paul McCartney – bass guitar
• Ringo Starr – drums